MATAURA

Southland Times, Issue 23948, 14 October 1939, Page 15

MATAURA

MONTHLY MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL At the monthly meeting of the Mataura Borough Council the Mayor (Mr C. D. McConnell) presided. There were also present: Crs J. P. McErlean, D. A. Bell, R. Hutton, A. Bradley, M. Walker, L. McKelvie, J. McAllister, J. Swale and J. Ingram. Mr A. Alderson, writing on behalf of the majority of ratepayers of Burns street about the planting of trees on the street frontage, stated that, with two exceptions all were unanimous about the proposal. The scheme he suggested was the planting of two trees in front of each property, these to be paid for by the occupiers, and if it was found necessary that any property would require more than two trees then the whole cost of the trees could be pooled. The council could do the buying and the planting of the trees. Flowering cherry appeared to be the popular choice of tree. The scheme, it was contended, was to enhance the appearance of the street and might in time be extended to other parts of the town. The matter was referred to the Works Committee. The resident engineer of the Public Works Department wrote stating that it had been decided to approve the council’s suggestion that the stone from the towers of the old suspension bridge be made available for garden plots instead of being sold. As soon as the opportunity occurred, the approach at the eastern end of the new bridge would be raised. Because of the grade at the western end little improvement could be effected. The letter was received. The Mataura Cricket Club wrote for permission to use the Mataura domain grounds on Tuesdays and Thursdays for practice and on Saturdays for match play. The request was referred to the Reserves Committee. Mr D. M. Cameron wrote asking for permission to erect a hanging sign under the veranda of his business premises. The request was granted, subject to the usual conditions. The Mataura Bowling Club advised that a load of turf recently delivered at the green was unsuitable for the purpose required and suggested that the account for the material be written off. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee. An invitation to the annual meeting and smoke concert of the Mataura Volunteer Fire Brigade was accepted. SUBSIDY FOR WAGES Confirmation of approval of a subsidy on the basis of 100 per cent, of the wages cost for the Mataura water supply scheme was received from the Department of Labour. In order that full advantage might be taken of the

offer it was suggested that the work be completed before March 31, 1940. The letter was received. A letter from the county clerk advised that the Southlan . County Council had considered the boroughs proposal to straighten the channel of the old Waimumu stream, but it was felt that it was desirable that this work should not be proceeded with until the major work of the Waimumu Drainage Board had been completed. The suggestion was approved. In response to the council’s applicaation, on behalf of the Mataura Amenities Society for a grant from art union sources to assist in equipping a children’s playing area in the town, the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) advised that while he realized that the cause was a worthy one, the present policy of the Government was to devote the whole of the profits from art unions to assist in relieving cases of distress throughout the Dominion. In the circumstances it was regretted that it was impossible to make a grant for the purpose mentioned. The only way that he could assist would be by giving permission for a local art union, with mineral specimens, such as alluvial gold, to the value of £l5 or £2O as prize money. The letter was received. Approval of the council’s proposal to reconstruct the Council Champers as a national centennial scheme was received from the general secretary of the New Zealand Centennial organization. The continued absence of infectious disease was remarked on by the sanitray inspector (Mr R. W. Connor) in the course of his monthly report. Accounts amounting to £4OB/11/10 were passed for payment, Cr Ingram moved that Mr Thomas Ramage be thanked for his assistance' in erecting the ringing apparatus of the fire bell and also that he be granted £2. This was seconded by Cr Bradley and carried unanimously. Cr Hutton said that several volunteers were leaving the district on active service and expressed the opinion that some form of a send-off should bt given these men. He thought that the first move should come from the council. The Mayor suggested waiting until the men came home on final leave. Several other councillors expressed views on the subject, and the Mayor agreed to call a public meeting in the near future with a view to inviting citizens to form a committee for the purpose of farewelling volunteers going on service.